• Howick and Pakuranga Times
A 500-strong fleet including tall ships, gaff riggers, sloops, racing keelers, sailing dinghies, radio-controlled boats, elegant classic yachts, including two Australian challengers, and about 20 restored tugs and work boats ran in a full Monday of competition in testing conditions.
While giant modern tugs made relatively easy work of the strong winds and buffeting seas in their race, it was a test of seamanship for many sailors, with winds gusting to 30-knots in churning seas.